Culvert



Patented Jan. 9, 1923.

rarita UNi'rs stars Partnr orti;

or'ro H. L: wnnNrcKE, or GRAND marins, Mrorrrean. Assis-Noa or Ouattara fro f ivrosiisnnivnr LANE, or KALAMAZOO, ivircnrean.

y cULvER'r.

:Application filled September 21, 1920. Serial No. `411,738. v

To all whom it may, concern: j

Be itknown ythat I, O'rro H. L. na- NICKE, citizen of the United States, residing at Grand Rapids, county of Kent, `State ofMichigan, have invented certain new-and useful Improvements in Culverts, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements` in culverts. f

The main objects of this invention are, First, to provide an improved culvert which may be formed inl sectionskand the sections readily assembled or held on a suitable foundation at the place of installation;

Second, to provide an improved culvert section which may be conveniently handled and transported with little danger of being broken.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will denitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specication. The invention 1s clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodi ment of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specification, in which:

Fig. I is an end view of one of my improved culvert sections.

Fig. II is a transverse section through a culvert embodying the features of my invention. on line 2-2 of Fig. IV.

Fig. III is a similar transverse section illustrating the method of installation.

Fig. IV is a detail longitudinalsection on a line corresponding to line 4.--4 of Fig. II.

Fig. V is a detail section of a modified form of my invention.

In the drawing similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

` Referring to the drawing I provide a plurality of culvert sections designated generally by the numeral 1 and each comprising a top portion 2, side portions 3 and bottom portions 4l formed integrallyof concrete, the bottom portions being in the form of inwardly projecting flanges on the lower edges of the side portions 3. In the preferred embodiment of my invention the bottom portions are connected by the transverse reinforcing bars 5 which are. embedded therein and extend between them. The edges 6 of the bottom portions are preferably upwardly beveled as shown.

The sections are laid endto end or abutting, the meeting kends in the embodiment illustrated beingprovided with coacting eX- ternal and internal shoulders 7 and 8 respectively, forming interlapping joints. j

Concrete Stringer or tie piece` 9 is preferably continuous as shown in the drawing and is laid at thezplace of installation. rThis stringeror tie piece yfills 'in between the edges of the bottom portions 4 and preferably eXtends below the same as shown in the drawing. It is not generally necessary that the Stringer extend to the outer edges of the sections, as the portions 10 thereof may be eectively supported by the earth in most situations or in most conditions to be found in installing. the same. The Stringer fills in between the bottom portions and embeds the transverse members 5 as is clearly shown providing a continuous support for and a tie between the sections. Longitudinal reinforcing or tie members 1l are preferably provided in the Stringer member.

The head walls 12 are preferably supplied in standardized units, but may be built on the ground to meet the requirements of the particular installation, the same being formed by means of forms and preferably filled so as to form an integral part with the Stringer member. In the modification shown in Fig. V the transverse bars 5 do not extend from side to side.

The culvert sections may be built at a factory and transported to the place of in- Stallation, while the Stringer member is, as stated, built on the ground.

Culverts embodying the features of my inl vention are very economically produced and installed. The culvert sections are so supported and tied together by the Stringer member that they are firmly retained iny posi-tion and are not likely to get out of operative relation as a result of settling of the ground or the like.

I have illustrated and described my improvement 'in embodiments which I consider very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe certain modifications or adaptations which may be found. desirable to meet particular installations, as I believe the disclosures made willv enable ing members beingv ebove the plane of the. s bottoms of said bottom portions, and a con tinuous concrete Stringer extending below and filling between stud bottom portions und embedding` smid reinforcing members.

2. ln a structure of the class described, the combination of abutting sections, each comprising integral top, sides and bottom portions, the edges ot the bottoni portions memes being substantially spaced and; provided with opposed inclined edges and a continuons concrete Stringer member extending below and lling` between said bottom portions.

3. In a structure of tlie class described, the combination of abutting sections each veonfiprisinzg integral top and sides, ettoli side having an integral inwardly projecting` bottom portion, the edges of said portions being spa-eed, there being cross reinforcing members for said bottom portions disposed above tlie plane of tbe bottom of said bot tom portions. and a' Stringer member ei;-

ytending` beneath and filling between said bottom portions and embedding the said reinforcing members. l

In Witness whereof, l: have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two Witnesses.

OTTO H. L. VERNCKE. 5.] 'Vitnesses t ELBERT LYNN, J. CDERALDER. 

